Ho’ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival, April 19

Dancers with Halau Kala'akeakauikawekiu perform during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

Dancers with Halau Kala'akeakauikawekiu perform during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

Dancers with Halau Kala'akeakauikawekiu perform during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

Dancers with Parangal Dance Company, from the Philippines, perform during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

Dancers with Parangal Dance Company, from the Philippines, perform during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

Dancers with Parangal Dance Company, from the Philippines, perform during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

Dancers with Parangal Dance Company, from the Philippines, perform during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

The dancers of Na 'Ohana O Kahikilaulani O Mexico take a bow during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

The audience cheers during a performance by Na 'Ohana O Kahikilaulani O Mexico during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

During the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

The Royal Court is introduced during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

The Royal Court is introduced during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.

Conch shell blowers take to the stage prior to the introduction of the Royal Court during the opening Ho'ike for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.